Man appears in court following high-speed chase last night

A JOBLESS father-of-two has appeared in court charged with dangerous driving following a high-speed garda chase and crash on the M50 last night.

Andrew Allen (37) was arrested and brought before Blanchardstown District Court, where he was granted bail on condition that he drives no vehicles and observes a curfew.

Mr Allen is charged with two counts of dangerous driving - at River Road, and Ashtown Road, both in Castleknock, on October 7.

The accused, with an address in Blanchardstown is also charged with failing to stop for a garda and unlicenced and uninsured driving at River Road. The charges are under the Road Traffic Act.

Garda Paul Doona said in evidence he arrested the accused in Leopardstown and brought him to Blanchardstown Garda Station. He made no reply to any of the charges after caution when they were put to him in the early hours of this morning and he was handed a copy of the charge sheet.

Garda Doona had no objection to bail subject to conditions.

These are a strict curfew between the hours of 10pm and 8am, and a requirement that Mr Allen does not drive “any mechanically propelled vehicle.” He was not required to sign on at a garda station.

Garda Doona said the directions of the DPP were for summary disposal on the existing charges. This means at present the case will be dealt with in the district court.

However, he said an extensive file would be prepared and there could be further charges in the case.

Judge McHugh assigned free legal aid after the defendant’s solicitor John O’Doherty said Mr Allen was not working and in receipt of social welfare. Mr O’Doherty also said there was “an issue in terms of the address not being mentioned in open court.”

Judge McHugh said: “we are where we are” and did not make any order in relation to this but granted liberty for another application on the issue on a later date.

The accused was remanded on bail to appear in court again on a date in November, for the directions of the DPP.

Mr Allen, wearing a black jacket, navy tracksuit bottoms and white runners, and bearing several facial injuries, did not address the court during the brief hearing.

He has not yet indicated how he intends to plead to any of the charges.